How Do I Know If I Need A Root Canal Procedure?

In order to determine whether or not you are a valid candidate for endodontic (root canal) therapy, you should schedule an appointment at Stony Brook Family Dentistry so that our endodontist can evaluate your condition. It is the only way that we can make a valid diagnosis about your need for this type of procedure. However, there are certain signs and symptoms that you can look for prior to visiting our office.

There are three factors that we recommend evaluating before coming in for your appointment which include:

Signs That Your Dentist Notices

Occasionally, there may be little or no indication of an existing problem. However, our dentists have a trained eye and they can spot those subtle indications when there is a problem. In this case, your dentist will use x-rays to discover any changes in the bone structure of the affected area or dark spots in the root tips of the tooth or tooth in question.

Other signs that the dentist will look for are fistulous tracts or lesions that are pimple-like in nature. They may also notice that the color of the affected tooth has changed significantly. This could indicate the possibility of pathological changes within the tooth’s nerve space. Another issue that they will look for is tooth nerve exposure. This condition typically results from degenerating pulp tissue.

Symptoms You Are Aware Of

It’s important to realize that some teeth requiring root canal therapy may not be causing any pain. However, the discomfort you can experience will range from very slight to extremely severe. Plus, the pain can be intermittent and last only a few minutes at a time or it may last several hours at a time and may not subside until you have taken an analgesic (pain killer) to dull the discomfort.

Gum swelling or tenderness may also be evident and range from minor to very pronounced in nature. Sometimes, you may notice that there is a pimple-like swelling along the gum line which serves as a drain for any accumulating pus. Finally, the symptoms you experience may range in frequency from intermittent or transient (they come and go) to continual or persistent. Whether noticeable or not, your symptoms will rarely disappear.

If you have recently noticed any of the above signs or symptoms, you may or may not need root canal therapy. Don’t neglect these signs or symptoms. Contact Stony Brook Family Dentistry and schedule an examination appointment.